Cardiology Coding Alert

Question: The cardiologist used a right femoral approach, positioned the catheter in the abdominal aorta at diaphragm level, and took films. She then repositioned the catheter just above where the aorta divides to be the left and right common iliacs and took more films, which she interpreted. Should I report 36200 twice because she repositioned the catheter?

Utah Subscriber

Answer: No. You should report 36200 (Introduction of catheter, aorta) only once regardless of how many times the cardiologist repositions the catheter in the aorta, states CPT Assistant (Fall 1993).

Note that CPT Assistant indicates you may report each complete imaging exam of a distinct anatomic area separately, based on documentation, such as:

• 75625 -- Aortography, abdominal, by serialography, radiological supervision and interpretation

• 75716 -- Angiography, extremity, bilateral, radiological supervision and interpretation.